Lee leaves game with sprained ankle

Carlos Lee left Friday’s game in the first inning with a sprained left ankle. X-rays were negative, and Brad Mills said that he will likely miss “a couple of days.”

The Reds’ first batter of the game, Zack Cozart, hit a sharp ground ball to third, which Chris Johnson snagged with a nice dive. Johnson’s throw to first bounced, and Lee couldn’t make the scoop.

He was fine until he went to chase down the ball and made an awkward turn. He was helped up and tried to walk it off but was replaced in the game by Matt Downs.

“It takes a lot to take me out of a game,” Lee said. “I always try my best to stay, but today was not one of those days. I felt like I needed to come out.”

Gonzalez placed on paternity list

Backup infielder Marwin Gonzalez went on the paternity list, allowing the Astros to call up Brian Bixler for the roster spot for up to three days. Brad Mills expects Bixler to be with the club Saturday and Sunday, and for Gonzalez to rejoin the team for the opener of the nine-game homestand Monday.

Bixler, who can play every infield and outfield position, was hitting .423 with a .483 on-base percentage and a .635 slugging percentage for Class AAA Oklahoma City.

Castro back, says style won’t change

Jason Castro was back in the lineup four days after his collision with Brewers first baseman Mat Gamel that led to some lingering neck soreness.

Castro said he felt symptom-free after a few days of icing and mild medication. Not exactly a lesson-learned situation, since Castro was not blocking the plate, but he does commit to handling things much like he did when Gamel was sprinting down the line Monday.

“I try to give the guy some of the plate to give him an opportunity and then once I do get the ball, go try to apply a tag,” Castro said. “That’s how I’ve always gone about plays at the plate like that; show them that they have a little bit of the plate so they don’t feel like they need to take you out.”